Rock County officials take efforts to recover from flooding

Officials close parks, provide sand bags

Several parts of Rock County remain covered with water, including Lake Leota Park in Evansville.

Mac Stewart's plans to take his grandson fly-fishing quickly changed after they arrived at the park Wednesday afternoon.

"We thought we'd come over here and do some fishing but the problem of course is the land is gone and the river is on top of everything," said Stewart.

Flood waters have pushed the 20-acre lake over its banks, soaking the ground near the playground and the skate park.

"I think this is the first time I've seen rapids, so to speak," said long-time Evansville resident Susan Kruser.

City leaders have closed the park indefinitely.

"We only had about an inch and a half of rain but Dane County had more than us and it's all coming down the creek and through our park so until the water crests and actually starts to recede, it's tough to say how long it will be," said Evansville City Administrator Dan Wietecha.

Wietecha said the park was the hardest hit.

"We had some localized flooding where some storm grates were blocked up with some leaves or branches that had to be cleared out and some concerns about the bridge on Water Street,” said Wietecha.

The City of Beloit's Leeson Park and Dog Park will be closed until further notice, according to a release.